Putin Kicks Out USAID

Vladimir Putin kicks out of Russia the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for “interfering” in politics according to this article in the CSM. The agency has supported a wide range of causes other than those purely political like child welfare, HIV/AIDS prevention, promotion of professional exchanges, consultation on legislation, microfinance for Russian small businesses, assistance in restructuring the Russian electricity sector, helping the disabled, protecting wildlife, and fighting human trafficking.

This is just another sign that Putin is feeling the heat of pro-democracy activist groups and signals a worsening relationship between the U.S. and Russia.